ConnectJXN: Transit Plan

The study created a blueprint for a modernized JTRAN network that adapts to changing community needs and mobility technologies to serve transit riders better.

Nelson\Nygaard led the City of Jackson’s first comprehensive study of its JTRAN transit system in nearly three decades. Key outcomes of the study included:

• Comprehensive Public & Stakeholder Engagement: The COVID-19 pandemic required a hybrid approach to engagement to ensure customer and stakeholder participation in the study. This was accomplished through a mix of virtual committee meetings, socially-distanced outdoor rider outreach, a social media campaign, and interactive online surveys and websites.
• Data-Driven Service Planning: Nelson\Nygaard partnered with UTA to conduct boarding and alighting counts using APCs installed aboard JTRAN buses. Using this data, Nelson\Nygaard developed a suite of web-based tools that integrate ridership, running time, and location-based services data to identify areas of unmet demand and new market opportunities.
• Complete Service Restructuring: Nelson\Nygaard delivered a service redesign that provides new direct connections to major activity centers and improves population access to these locations by nearly 30% on weekdays and 50% on Saturdays. While the redesign resulted in a service area reduction, coverage to low-income population and jobs was improved and impacts to existing riders were minimized. As part of this effort, the Nelson\Nygaard team identified and modeled potential on-demand service zones for future implementation.
• Paratransit Service Area Policy Revision: A comprehensive evaluation of JTRAN’s paratransit service revealed the need to revamp its city-wide service area policy to improve the agency’s long-term financial sustainability. Nelson\Nygaard crafted service area policy alternatives for the City’s consideration, which ultimately led to the selection of a two-tiered ADA/Non-ADA service profile.
• Detailed Implementation Plan: Nelson\Nygaard crafted a comprehensive implementation plan, including a capital and bus stop improvement program, policy recommendations, and a detailed work program to guide JTRAN as it works towards making the system redesign a reality.

“The redesign of the bus network and new accommodations are the result of a comprehensive review of the needs of our JTRAN riders... We have made the system more accessible and efficient, and as a result, we believe it will improve the quality of life of Jackson residents who rely on our public transportation system.”

- Christine Welch, Deputy Director of Transportation, City of Jackson

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